While every muscle in your body is tense, you manage to keep control this time. Like the manners you had seen actors caricature in street plays, you elegantly (or so you think) sip the blood, bit by bit, until finally the glass is empty. It is all you can do to keep from licking the dregs. Without a word, Marquis Rajes gestures towards the unfinished bottle, but you shake your head quickly yet firmly. As much as your body might try to convince you otherwise, for you, drinking blood is not an enjoyable experience.
"It will get easier with practice," the marquis states gently, some admiration in his tone. "In the meantime, can I take this to mean you have accepted my offer?"
While you cannot see any other way out of this situation, you still cannot help but hesitate.
"Of course, given the scenario I laid out for your employment, I will definitely treat you and your siblings as wards of the marquisate should be treated. You will be provided with identities and education, as well as protection so long as you chose to remain a resident of this estate," the marquis senses your reluctance and tries to reassure you.
While you still cannot accept whole-heartedly, you clench your hands and stoically nod in acceptance. Understanding that your thoughts are still in some degree of turmoil, the marquis calls Birea and smiling, lets you return to your rooms. While you are suffering from information overload, you cannot help but notice that as you walk the halls of the estate, your senses seem to have sharpened further, as you can catch snippets of sound from the distance.
"--of course she'll be fine. You know Sister would never do anything dangerous," you hear Elisa's voice through the thick closed door as you approach, even though it is obvious the sound should be so muffled a normal human would not hear it. You even get the impression of Garn nodding, even though the children are out of sight.
That is when a thought strikes you. Elisa is eight, but in as many years she very well might be in your situation. A few years later, Garn as well. If left to their own devices, how would they protect themselves when their own change occurred. However, if they were to remain in an estate that protects people who have changed.... Birea opens the door for you, but closes the door behind you while remaining outside, knowing that you have much to discuss with your siblings.
"Sis--sister?" Elisa finally says after gazing at you in confusion, and Garn's head pokes out from behind Elisa where he had hidden upon your entry. You wonder at her response, then realize the reason for it. Not simply your clothes, but your entire appearance is different thanks to the changes as well as the care you received. It is probably only due to their familiarity with you that Elisa and Garn even recognize you at this point.
"Sister..." Elisa starts to say with a frown, and it is obvious to you what direction her thoughts are going. However, you caution her with your eyes, then smile at Garn.
"Does you sister look pretty, Garn?" you ask as you crouch and hold your arms out. Garn, innocent as always, rushes into your embrace.
"Very pretty, Sister," Garn whispers shyly in your ear.
"All right, time for bed," you pick up Garn and carry him to his bedroom. Only after settling him for the night do you close the door and face Elisa's glowering gaze.
"Sister...your hair..." Elisa begins uncertainly.
"It's just dye and makeup, Elisa, to hide my identity" you mix lies and truth. "The marquis wants to hire me to play the role of his ward, and you and Garn will have the benefit of being wards of the marquisate. Don't worry, it's nothing like what you're thinking," you quickly cut off Elisa from interrupting. "My role is to be like an aide, accompanying the marquis in situations where it would be inappropriate for a male aide to be by his side. He simply wants someone who has no other loyalties, since it is a sensitive position, so he picked me."
"But sister..." Elisa trails off, but seems to steel herself to continue. "What if he's lying?"
"I would never bring you and Garn here if I had any doubts," you pray your fake resolve fools Elisa. "But even so, I will be careful, and if he is the slightest bit suspicious, I'll find a way for us to escape," you promise as you hug Elisa. You are not sure if the heartbeat you hear pounding in your ears is hers or your own.